United States Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. In March of each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings together 104 of the most outstanding high school students.
The mission of the United States Senate Youth Program is to provide a yearly opportunity for selected students to gain an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government overall as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial and executive branches. The program provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those considering a future of public service on the local, state or national level.
Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The 104 student delegates also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship to the college or university of their choice with encouragement to continue coursework in government and history. The Hearst Foundation has fully funded the USSYP since its inception, including transportation, accommodations, meals and individual college scholarships – no government funds are ever utilized.
Selection Process
Qualified high school junior or seniors must show demonstrated leadership by serving in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs and community service. They must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions, enrolled in high school and living in New Hampshire for the entire 2022-2023 academic year. All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators.
Selection will be based on the student’s outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in an elected or appointed high school student office for the entire 2022-2023 school year. The primary purposes of the qualifying leadership position must be representation of a constituency and service to others. A student who graduates high school at the close of the fall semester / quarter is not eligible to apply for the program, and students other than DoDEA delegates must be residing in New Hampshire during the entire 2022-2023 academic year to participate.
The 61st Annual United States Senate Youth Program
The 61st Annual United Stated Senate Youth Program Washington Week is being planned to be held in person March 4-11, 2023 in Washington, DC. The program will be a comprehensive public service, leadership and education experience including speakers from the three branches of government and the national media, and each delegate will receive the $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate. View the national press release and brochure.
UPDATE on COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: In the interest of health and safety for all participants, students must be fully vaccinated to serve as a delegate in Washington, DC. Schedules for full vaccination series can be seen here: At-A-Glance COVID-19 Vaccination Schedules (cdc.gov).Selected students who are not vaccinated will have adequate time to complete the full vaccination series of two vaccine doses and be confirmed ready for service, prior to the program deadline of February 1, 2023. Students may not serve as delegates to an in-person program or receive the scholarship if they fail to meet this requirement.
All eligible students are encouraged to apply. Students must attend the program to receive the scholarship. Regardless of platform, all confirmed student delegates will partake in a comprehensive, interactive leadership program in the stated timeframe, and each will receive the $10,000 college scholarship in the name of the United States Senate.
Application Process
In New Hampshire each high school principal may nominate one eligible junior or senior student for the United States Senate Youth Program. The nomination form should be accurately completed and signed by the student, at least one parent or guardian and nominating principal. Please visit the USSYP Website for more detailed information regarding the program.
Applications are now closed.
The 60th annual United States Senate Youth Program
Take a tour of the 60th Annual Washington Week, featuring the outstanding students from all 50 states! 2022 Digital Yearbook
Delegate press release New Hampshire.pdf
Matthew Blair and Warren Chen named the two New Hampshire delegates. Read the full Press Release.
- Matthew Blair - in his own words
- Warren Chen - in his own words